Melo Villareal
Hotel Catalonia Gran Via Review
Spain is undeniably the dream. The country has a rich, well-preserved culture that is apparent in its cities, their buildings, streets, and the people’s way of life.
Capital city Madrid is one of Spain’s busiest places. The populous city, with its daunting business district, its picturesque calles, and its churches make this a must-see destination.
I previously had a walking tour in Madrid, and it was strikingly unforgettable. The calles were well-crafted, and the buildings were like sceneries taken from an old, classical movie. It is the kind of place you did not think you would see in modern times. It’s beautiful that way.
Fortunately for me, I was given the opportunity to visit Madrid for the second time around, with my trip sponsored by Spain Tourism Board. Our first destination upon our arrival in this city that I have fallen in love with is Hotel Catalonia Gran Via (check rates and availability), our official accommodation. My experience in this hotel is exquisite, and made me fall in love with Madrid all over again.
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About Hotel Catalonia Gran Via
Hotel Catalonia Gran Via is like a jigsaw puzzle that perfectly fits the surroundings of Madrid. It was built in 1917. Its façade shows that it has been around for a long time, and its interior, with its centerpiece marble staircase, and its elegant rooms all contribute to the feeling that the hotel was made specifically for Madrid alone.
The hotel has 185 rooms and seven floors. Each room is crafted to perfection. Even if it is located at the heart of Madrid, in proximity from tourist hotspots like Prado Museum, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza Cibeles, my room was comfortable, peaceful, and idyllic.
Hotel location
Check out the nearby locations: Reina Sofia, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Prado Art Galleries, Atocha Station, Retiro Park, and Madrid Airport. And of course, the Gran Via “Great Way”, Madrid’s shopping street, and also known as the Spanish Broadway. Hotel Catalonia Gran Via (hotel reviews) is blessed with its perfect location. This means you have access to bars, restaurants, and lots of other discoveries.
If you follow the Gran Via you will end up in Calle de Alcala, another street that is, besides being Instagram-worthy, leads to even more tourist spots in Madrid.
How to get there
Most airlines offer flights that land in Adolfo Suarez Madrid—Barajas Airport (MAD). From there, you can easily get to Hotel Catalonia Gran Via via taxi.
If you are feeling daring, you can try the public transport system, which, may be although confusing for beginners at first, can be easy to master once you get the hang of it. The nearest train station is Atocha Train Station, while there are also several bus stops that pass by Gran Via. Buses run by the EMT (Municipal Transport Company in Madrid) run Mondays to Friday from 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
Arrival Experience
The check-in process was quite fast since our accommodation was pre-arranged by the tourism board, so that’s a huge plus, especially after our nearly 13-hour flight to Madrid. There was no one around to assist with our luggage when we arrived, but it was nevertheless a seamless experience. On our way up, the staff handed us a map and offered to help us in case we needed directions.
We were also given the PressReader application, which gave us access to many international newspapers and magazines.
My room
My room that served as my home in Hotel Catalonia Gran Via is at room 215. I had a huge, comfy bed, and it was quiet at night. I had a satellite TV, and I had my own bathroom… a huge one! The marble lavatory was wide enough for a solo traveler, and the showerhead had the right pressure. Toiletries were complete. It was like I was having the room of my life.
My favorite part of my room is the terrace. My veranda had a beautiful view of Gran Via. When I looked out at any time of the day, I felt like I was the star of some movie. It was an amazing view and I was fortunate to have it for myself.
Even though I did not need any special assistance from the staff during my stay, it felt very reassuring to have a telephone. The front desk and room service were just a call away.
Food
There were two dining options in the hotel, which is actually more than enough. The range of their menus are spectacular, and yes, they offer room service as well.
There is the Restaurant Bloved, which offers Mediterranean and international cuisine. Notable dishes include Corvina Ceviche with Tiger Milk and Passion Fruit, their signature BLoved Salad, and yes, even Iberian Cured Ham. They also serve the best wine that comes with the food. This restaurant is open daily from 1 PM to 11 PM.
Guests can also choose to chill in Gourmet Corner Bar Nnueve 9 Madrid. They serve cocktails, wines, and various drinks upon request. Their bartenders make sure that they get the right blends to your taste. This is also open seven days a week, from 8 AM to 1 AM.
Facilities
Besides having a strategic location, Hotel Catalonia Gran Via is complete with all the facilities you can possibly need. I personally commend the Wi-Fi, which was significantly faster than most hotels. The internet was also accessible from the hotel lounge and Internet corner.
Health buffs can utilize the small fitness gym, while the not-so health bums (who would eat even late in the night, after dinner) who want to grab a snack can always access the two restaurants I mentioned above. There is a currency exchange facility in the hotel as well, which is especially helpful for foreign tourists.
Lastly, guests would enjoy the heated pool on the hotel terrace, which is one of the highlights of the hotel.
Departure and checkout process
We were able to check out as seamless and as fast as how we checked in. The front desk made sure that our driver was already present in the lobby for our transfer to the train station for our next destination, which happened to be Barcelona that time (I know, lucky me!).
Final verdict
I honestly do not have words to describe my experience in Hotel Catalonia Gran Via (Book Online). Madrid itself was already so beautiful, and getting a room in this hotel seemed to have uplifted my experience to something heavenly.
My bed was perfect, staff were always busy and attentive, and even after a long, tiring, walking tour or day, I knew that I had my room in the hotel to pamper me to 100% energy for the following day.
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